2019 NFL Draft: A comprehensive preview and predictions for the Kansas City Chiefs
By Thomas Welte
Round 2, Pick 63
Priority #1: Take your shot.
This is the pick received from the Los Angeles Rams in the Marcus Peters trade, and at this point, it’s playing with house money. Forget positions of need for a moment, set aside where you think a guy will go, who is the one player that you (or in this case, Brett Veach) really wants and believe can make a difference for Kansas City? Go get him here.
Priority #2: Get Offensive
The draft has primarily been focused on defense so far, but now is the time to look for something to help reigning MVP Patrick Mahomes continue his path to success. There could be some interior offensive line players lingering, but more likely this is where the 2nd and 3rd tier of pass catchers opens up and it the Chiefs should have their pick of guys.
Primary Targets
Jace Sternberger, TE, Texas A&M
Jace Sternberger, as a prospect, is the polar opposite of former Chief Demetrius Harris. Sternberger is not an exceptional athlete and has average size; but makes up for that with consistency, above-average route running, and reliable hands. Sternberger is tough to bring down after the catch and does a good job of high pointing passes.
Sternberger would be a worthwhile investment for Kansas City here as a compliment to Travis Kelce and a safety valve for Mahomes. He met with the Chiefs at the NFL Combine and was brought in for a private workout. It is also worth mentioning that Sternberger is one of two offensive players with multiple reported contacts with Kansas City through the draft process.
Tytus Howard, OL, Alabama State* (Trade Up Candidate)
A bit of a head-scratcher for the casual Chiefs fan, but Howard fits what Andy Reid looks for in his linemen. Howard is more of a developmental tackle at this point but has the size and athletic ability that is coveted by Reid. Howard could sit comfortably behind Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz for a season or two before being called on as a regular starter.
Howard has legitimate upside and could be a staple protector for a good chunk of Mahomes’ career. The 2019 NFL Draft has some more established names at offensive line, but Howard may have the most upside outside of the first round candidates. The Chiefs met with Howard at the NFL Combine.
Jachai Polite, DE, Florida
This pick would be all about value. Polite was seen as a first-round prospect before an abysmal NFL Combine. There may not be another prospect in the 2019 NFL Draft who has seen his stock fall like Polite. Despite what some have deemed the worst combine of all time, there is still potential for Polite.
Only 21 years old with a single season of starting play time, Polite flashed instincts and flexibility that cannot be taught. Polite will need some time to adapt to the grind of an NFL career, but with proper accountability could be a steal here for Kansas City.
Honorable Mention
- Sean Bunting, CB, Central Michigan
- Connor McGovern, OL, Penn State
- Andy Isabella, WR, Massachusetts